Extractions From the "Avalanche" a Crawford Co., MI Newspaper 1879-1940's

Notes

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-Messrs. James G. PAGE and O. BRADFORD, of Ohio, and B. F. SMITH, of Montcalm county, this State, have selected homesteads on secs. 1 and 10, t 27 n, r 2 w. they will proceed at once to build and move their families to their new homes. (26 Apr 1883)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-Messrs. James G. PAGE and O. BRADFORD, of Ohio, and B. F. SMITH, of Montcalm county, this State, have selected homesteads on secs. 1 and 10, t 27 n, r 2 w. they will proceed at once to build and move their families to their new homes. (26 Apr 1883)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-Messrs. James G. PAGE and O. BRADFORD, of Ohio, and B. F. SMITH, of Montcalm county, this State, have selected homesteads on secs. 1 and 10, t 27 n, r 2 w. they will proceed at once to build and move their families to their new homes. (26 Apr 1883)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-Mr. A. PHILLIPS, of South Branch, died of consumption on Tuesday at 4 o'clock a.m. The sorrowing family have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their bereavement. (10 May 1883)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-CIRCUIT COURT.
Circuit court for this judicial circuit convened Wednesday, Hon. J. B. TUTTLE, of East Tawas, presiding.
In the case of The People vs. Jas. EGAN and Mabel EGAN, for keeping a house of ill-fame, the jury found Mrs. EGAN not guilty and Mr. EGAN guilty with a recommend for "mercy." Mr. EGAN was sentenced to the house of correction at Ionia for 11 months.
In the case of The People vs. Sanford GETTY, larceny, the jury said guilty and the court said three years in the State prison at Jackson. (10 May 1883)

-"At Grayling, Sanford GETTY was convicted of cattle stealing and sentenced by Judge TUTTLE to State prison for ten years." - Ogemaw Co. Herald.
You're mistaken, Bro. Herald; he was sentenced for only three years. ( 24 May 1883)

-AN ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE.
While Sheriff HUM was conveying Sanford GETTY to the State prison at Jackson a short time ago, Sir Sanford, from past experience conceived it would be vastly fine to be a free man again and buy (?) cattle at the hour of midnight for one-eighth their real value, and so concluded he would make a bold leap for freedom. Accordingly, on arrival of the train at Rives' Junction, Jackson county, Sir Sanford solicited permission to visit the water-closet. the sheriff, being an obliging person, granted his request, but he thought it would be wise to accompany him and did so, thereby probably frustrating Mr. GETTY's plan, and they returned and resumed their seats.
The train started, and Jackson was not far in the distance. Sir Sanford evidently again conceived "nothing ventured, nothing gained," and he accordingly made another request of the sheriff to let him get a drink of water. Permission was granted, and the train being under pretty good headway the sheriff did not follow after, thinking his prisoner would not be so foolish as to run the risk of breaking his neck by leaping from a fast moving rrain. But the sheriff "reckoned without his host." Sir Sanford no more than got to the water-tank when he rushed out the door and made a leap. Sheriff HUM immediately jumped up from his seat and gave the bell-rope several violent pulls, the train in obedience to the signal came to a stop, and the sheriff alighted and proceeded to "follow after" - the excaping convict. As the sheriff alighted Sir Sanford had gained the top of a big hill and was climbing a fence. Mr. HUM pulled his revolver and fired, ostensibly for the purpose of notifying Sir Sanford that he was following after, as the prisoner was too far in advance of the sheriff for a leaden messenger to overtake him. - But, be it known to all ye who are interested, John is a good runner, and more than that, long-winded. After he succeeded in reaching the top of the hill and climbing the fence he rapidly gained on the flying Sir Sanford. In a short time he was within shooting distance, and he sent another ball toward the prisoner, who evidently did hear the "whistle" thereof and concluded he wanted no more quite so near, as he came to a sudden halt and threw up his arms, in token of unconditional surrender. The sheriff cooly proceeded to put a pair of gold (or, rather, "cold") bracelets around his wrists, and then marched him back to the station. The next train took them to their destination without any more "episodes." The sheriff is back looking serene and happy, but whether Sir Sanford is looking the same is more than we know. (31 May 1883)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-BIRTHS.
On Monday, May 21, 1883, to Mr. and Mrs. Johan JOHNSON, a son. ( 24 May 1883)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-BIRTHS.
On Friday, May 25, 1883, to Mr. and Mrs. H. J. KILBORN, a daughter. (31 May 1883)

-H. J. KILBORN and family started last week Thursday for Genessee county, where they intend hereafter to reside. His house in this village was purchased by A. H. SWARTHOUT, and his 10 acres just north of town was purchased by J. H. EDGCUMBE. "Our gain is Genessee's loss-Selah. (17 Apr 1884)

-Word is received here of the death of Henry J. KILBOURN, at Alexandria Bay, New York. He was one of the pioneers of this place and well known in years past. (25 Dec 1890)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-Mr. E. L. DAVIS, who has been in charge of the freight and ticket offices of the M. C. R. R. Co. at this station for the past year, has resigned his position and goes to Washington Territory this week, prospecting. During Ed.'s sojourn among us he made a friend of all with whom he came in contact, and they regret his departure. The AVALANCHE unites with his hosts of friends in wishing him a safe and pleasant journey and much prosperity. Here's our hand, E. L., good-by. (7 Jun 1883)

-E. L. DAVIS and Donald McDONNELL have gone to Washington Territory in search of fortune. It is hoped their quest will be successful, as they are worthy. (14 Jun 1883)

-Mr. E. L. DAVIS, formerly agent at this station, who went to Washington Territory a short time ago, has returned, and we hear that he reports that he has "had enough of the West." So say they all who have the "needful" to return with. (23 Aug 1883)

-E. L. DAVIS and bride have returned from their brief wedding trip and will settle down to housekeeping in this city.-Bay City Tribune. (18 Sep 1884)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-E. L. DAVIS and Donald McDONNELL have gone to Washington Territory in search of fortune. It is hoped their quest will be successful, as they are worthy. (14 Jun 1883)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-Geo. F. WELLS, late of Wisconsin but now residing at Brockway Center, of this State, is visiting his uncle, Dr. G. M. F. DAVIS. (21 Jun 1883)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-HE MET HIS FATE.
Some two weeks ago one Christopher PERREY, employed in McDONALD's camp some 16 miles east of this place, entered the farm premises of Mr. Amos BIDDWELL, of Charlton, and made indecent overtures to Mrs. BIDWELL, who was alone at the time, and which she repelled and ordered him away, when he threatened to shoot her and shipped out his revolver to carry out his base threat, but which failed to go off as it had got out of order. Again on Tuesday the 3d inst. he visited the premises in the absence of her husband, and approaching the house was discovered by her, when she seized a loaded Winchester repeating rifle and ordered him not to come further or she would shoot but unmindful of her warning and only anxious to secure his intended victim he continued to advance, when she fired and missed, but he still advanced, and when within a few feet of her he met his just fate, for she again fired, when he threw up his arms and fell backwards to the ground. Frightened and almost horrified, and without looking to see or knowing the fatality of the shot, the brave little woman hastily fled and notified her near neighbors of what she had done, and on Wednesday the body was brought to this village by Coroner DARLING, she coming also with her husband and surrendering herself up to the authorities. A jury was then empaneled, and an inquest held by Drs. WARNER and FOX, and the ball found to have entered the right side between the 2d and 3d ribs, passing through the right lobe of the lung near the heart, severing the right bronchial artery, emerging near the spine, and causing death almost instantly. After the evidence and testimony was all in and the inquest over, the jury, on short deliberation, rendered the verdict "that Christopher PERREY came to his death by a gunshot wound inflicted by Mrs. Jennie BIDWELL, in self-defense."
Mrs. BIDWELL is a young and quite pretty looking woman, and sustains an excellent reputation among her neighbors for industrious, prudent, and virtuous habits, and the verdict of acquittal meets with universal approval. her victim was a man of bad repute, of French extraction, and was upwards of 50 years of age.
Since placing the above in type we learn that on preparing the body for interment it was discovered that the first shot had taken effect in the fleshy part of the right thigh, which the hurried and partial examination had failed to disclose to the astute doctors. - Otsego County Herald. (12 Jul 1883)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-FOUND DEAD.
On Wednesday morning our community was startled by the report that a man named Andrew ANDREWS, 65 years of age, was found dead in his bed. He came here from St. Johns this spring and has been employed as a common laborer. He had appeared in usual health, and on Tuesday was picking berries through the day and sold them at Salling, Hanson & Co.'s in the evening. Justice J. K. BATES was notified and impaneled a jury consisting of Messrs. LAMPORT, MITCHELL, MARSH, COWELL, TAYLOR and CASSIMER, who rendered a verdict that the deceased came to his death from heart disease and natural causes. He leaves a wife and several children in indigent circumstances. (9 Aug 1883)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-FREDERICVILLE.
EDITOR AVALANCHE:
Ferdinand (known as Fred) FAQUIN, of Cheboygan, who has been around Fredericville for the last three or four years, in attempting to board a car while the train was in motion, while loading tan bark the 25th ult, made a misstep and the wheels passed over one leg below the knee. He was taken to Cheboygan and the lamb amputated.. The word came to-day (Tuesday) by the freight train that he was dead. - Cause, gangrene. (9 Aug 1883)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-Mr. N. H. EVANS, of South Branch, one of Crawford couty's most substantial farmers, was in the city yesterday. He was a welcome caller at this office. We were informed by Mr. EVANS that the remains of Mr. DELONG, the insane man who strayed way from his home near Roscommon a month or so ago, were found within about forty rods of his home last Saturday evening. He was so badly decomposed that when his hat was removed his head dropped from off his shoulders. (16 Aug 1883)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-Mrs. A. TAYLOR returned from the cast(coast?) last week, where she was called by the illness of her mother, who died before she reached the old home. (27 Sep 1883)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-Geo. E. NICHOLS and family departed Tuesday for Unadilla, Otsego county, N. Y., where they will make their future home. Mr. David NICHOLS, wishing to make them a present which would be appreciated, ordered the AVALANCHE to their address for one year. (18 Oct 1883)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-DIED.
On Wednesday, Nov. 21st, 1883, at her residence in Beaver Creek township, of congestive chills, Mrs. Lucy BUSH, aged 43 years, 5 months, 2 days. (29 Nov 1883)

-On Wednesday evening June 26th, a goodly number of the friends and neighbors of Mr. and Mrs. Henry DAVENPORT, of Frederic, met at their home to bid father and mother DAVENPORT bood-bye, and to express their good wishes to this excellent couple, who have lived in Frederic 20 years, and had greatly endeared themselves to all. The meeting was a surprise and the tears and thanks of the old people made a lasting impression on all present. Refreshments were served by the ladies, and a beautiful table lamp was presented to the aged couple as an expression of love esteem. (11 Jul 1901)

-Henry DAVENPORT, one of the pioneers of Frederic, from where he moved to Ovid about seven years ago, died at that place on the 8th inst., aged 80 years. He will be remembered by many of our citizens as an honest and progressive man. (20 Dec 1906)

-Mrs. Wilson HAYES, of Gladwin, an old resident of Crawford county, has just completed a quilt, which is built of 16,330 blocks, and the Detroit News states that she associates with other Gladwin people, the same as formerly. (13 Oct 1887)

-Mrs. Wilson HAYNES, of Gladwin, claims we made a mistake in giving the number of blocks in the quilt she made. It should have been 16,830 instead of 16,300. (20 Oct 1887)

-Wilson HAYNES, of Gladwin, formerly of Crawford county, has charge of the Poor Farm in that county, and has a boarder named Betsey CLAPPER who is 105 years of age, and can thread the finest needle without glasses. (20 Oct 1887)

-DIED.
In this village, August 19th, 1885, Charles WAGNER, aged 77 years.
The deceased will be long remembered by our citizens, though but few had personal acquaintance with him. He was born in Germany and received, first a military and then a surgical education, and held position in the German Army. At the opening of the rebellion he came to this country and espoused the cause of the union, receiving the wound which caused his death, from rebel bushwhackers, a few days after Lee's surrender. He was buried on Thursday with military honors by Marvin Post, G. A. R., and accompanied by all the soldiers present, at the reunion. (20 Aug 1885)

-Mrs. WAGNER, who has been adjudged insane, was taken to the asylum at Traverse City last Monday morning. it is hoped that proper treatment may restore her to a normal condition. (8 Sep 1887)

-Through the agency of Attorney J. M. FINN, a pension has been granted Mrs. WAGNER, of this place, which with the rents of her houses, will support her in the asylum, thus saving her property for future use, should she recover. (13 Oct 1887)

-The body of Mrs. Dr. WAGNER was brought here for burial yesterday. She died at the asylum at Traverse City, where she has been since she became insane, soon after the death of her husband, never having regained her reason. (26 Jun 1890)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-When will wonders ever cease? 'Tis rumored that our townsman, Mr. David NICHOLS, who was supposed to have always lived in single blessedness, is really the fond, darling husband of a tender wife, who is even now on her way to join the object of her adoration, and resume the marital relations that were abrubtly terminated years ago. We are informed that this sudden resumption of conjugal felicity on the part of our friend David was to avoid the persecutions of a cruel collector.(16 Jun 1881)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-Peter McGOWAN, an employee in a lumber camp, strayed from Ogemaw Thursday, while intoxicated and yesterday was found frozen to death in the woods. The cornor's jury gave a verdict in accordance with the above facts. (31 Jan 1884)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-It is reported from Fort Fred Steele, Wyoming Territory, that George E. NICHOLS, of this place, was wounded in a fight with a cowboy, which resulted fatally. (7 Feb 1884)

-Geo. E. NICHOLS was brought back from Bay City yesterday by Sheriff McCULLOUGH to answer to the charge of forgery of an order for money, on Salling, Hanson & Co., purporting to be signed by Chas. INGERSON, and sold to W. H. JAMES. (14 Apr 1887)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-Wm. STRUBELL, a brakeman on this division of the Michigan Central, was killed near Deep River while coupling cars. He was 21 years old, single, and had a home in East Saginaw, whither his remains were taken Monday evening. (14 Feb 1884)

The following information extracted from the Grayling, Crawford Co., MI Newspaper Avalanche. NOTE: The date at the end of each extract indicates the date of the publication:
-BORN.
In this city, Thursday, Jan. 24th, 1884, to Mr. and Mrs. John C. EVANS, a son. (14 Feb 1884)

-Mrs. J. C. EVANS is expected to return from her visit to New York, the latter part of this week. She will be accompanied by her sister Mrs. A. W. EVANS. (10 Mar 1887)

-John C. EVANS struts around town like a great turkey-gobbler, just because a new girl baby came to his house to stay, the 9th. No matter how his customers suffer there will be no chalk or water added the milk fed that child. (13 Dec 1888)